Down Payment Assistance Programs in Ohio

One of the biggest misconceptions about buying a home is that you need a huge down payment. While it is true that putting 20% down can help you avoid private mortgage insurance, it is rarely required — especially for first-time buyers in Ohio. The Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) offers several programs that can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs, including grants you never have to pay back. Here is everything you need to know about down payment assistance in Clinton County.

Your Choice! Down Payment Assistance

This is OHFA's flagship program and the most popular option for Ohio first-time buyers. Your Choice! Down Payment Assistance provides up to 3% of the purchase price for conventional loans or 3.5% for FHA, VA, and USDA loans. The funds can be used toward your down payment, closing costs, or both.

There are two repayment options. You can choose a grant that is fully forgiven after seven years — meaning you never pay a dime back as long as you stay in the home. Or you can choose a deferred loan at 0% interest that is repaid when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage.

Example: On a $236,000 home (the Clinton County median), a 3% grant gives you $7,080 toward your upfront costs. Combined with a 3.5% FHA down payment, that covers nearly all of your cash-to-close.

Ohio Heroes Program

The Ohio Heroes program offers discounted interest rates and enhanced down payment assistance for people who serve their communities. Eligible professions include:

• Teachers and educators
• Nurses and healthcare workers
• Police officers, firefighters, and EMTs
• Active-duty military and veterans
• Corrections officers

With Ohio Heroes, you get a reduced interest rate (as low as 5.875% in mid-2026) plus access to OHFA's standard down payment assistance. If you work in one of these fields, this program alone could save you tens of thousands of dollars over the life of your loan.

Grants for Grads

Recent Ohio college graduates can receive additional down payment assistance through the Grants for Grads program. If you earned an associate, bachelor's, master's, doctorate, or professional degree from an Ohio institution within the last 48 months, you may qualify for extra funds toward your down payment and closing costs.

This program is stackable with Your Choice! Down Payment Assistance, meaning eligible graduates can combine both programs for even more help. Graduates of Wilmington College, Southern State Community College, and other Ohio schools are all eligible.

Mortgage Tax Credit (MTC)

While not a down payment program, the OHFA Mortgage Tax Credit is worth mentioning. It provides a federal tax credit worth $1,500 to $3,000 per year for the life of your loan — depending on your mortgage amount. This is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in your federal income tax, not just a deduction. For many first-time buyers, it effectively lowers their monthly housing costs by $125 to $250 per month.

Eligibility Requirements in Clinton County

Most OHFA programs have income limits that vary by county. For Clinton County in 2026, the limits are approximately:

• $88,000 to $112,000 for 1-2 person households
• $101,200 to $128,800 for 3+ person households

Additional requirements include a minimum credit score of 640 for conventional/USDA/VA loans (660 for FHA), completion of a homebuyer education course, and the home must be your primary residence. Purchase price limits also apply and vary by county.